The recipients will be recognized for contributions, engagement and impact in diverse activities, including mentoring children, supporting people with disabilities, protecting the environment and assisting seniors, people who are homeless and veterans.

“Each day across our state, thousands of volunteers come together with the common purpose to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve,” said Gov. John Carney. “Those volunteers don’t ask for anything in return, because they know in helping others, they enhance their own lives. We appreciate all those who volunteer their time and talents in Delaware, and it is my privilege to honor 23 individuals and groups with the 2018 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award.”

“I am grateful for the generous spirit of volunteers across our state,” said Kara Odom Walker, cabinet secretary for the Department of Health and Social Services. “The service they provide to vulnerable people and communities is invaluable, and it helps us recognize that government alone can’t solve all of the challenges we face.”

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, administered by the State Office of Volunteerism, honors the contributions of individuals and groups in Delaware that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering. The State Office of Volunteerism reports that 17,815 Delaware adults volunteered their time in 2017 through VolunteerDelaware.org, contributing more than 700,000 hours of service to nonprofits and community organizations. The value of their service is estimated at more than $17.4 million.

The awards event at Dover Downs Hotel will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the ceremony starting at 6 p.m. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the award recipients and other attendees will celebrate with a dinner in honor of the 2018 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteers.